Invasive species can wreak havoc on ecosystems. This is because they can compete with native species for valuable resources and food.
But an innovative doctor in the UK is fighting an invasive species known as “ocean vomit” in local waters. Dr. Texa Sim’s two-year-old Labrador, Uisge, can detect Didemnum vexillum, an introduced marine organism from Japan, the Express reports.
Marine vomit is transported through ship hulls. When it colonizes British waters, it forms thick carpet-like colonies that suffocate native species. It also hurts the shellfish industry.
While specially trained dogs are typically used to detect invasive species on land, Dr Sim saw an opportunity and a need to use them for ocean detection. She trained her dogs in her garage, where she hid plant samples for the dogs to locate by scent.
When invasive species dominate an area, native species may have to relocate or risk extinction. Either way, biodiversity will be severely affected. Therefore, the ability to detect harmful alien species as early as possible is crucial.
This is just one of the ways incredible dogs are being used to help humans. For example, ski resorts often use rescue dogs to help people caught in avalanches. Dogs in Alaska have been trained to help researchers track animal populations by sniffing wolf scat.
Dr. Sim is understandably proud of her dogs and the work they do together. “To my knowledge, there is no dog training for this species anywhere in the world,” she said.
She hopes more Labrador retrievers will be trained to do this important job. “I’m amazed at what they’re capable of. Once they understand the scent you’re asking them to look for, they can generalize it into different tasks and settings. Their capabilities are amazing.”
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